BY CORIE LYNN
The Fort Hays State University Student Government Association held their weekly meeting on Thursday, during which President Brad DeMers announced that the University’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund went live during the week.
The fund, which seeks to aid FHSU students during this time of pandemic, had already gained $6,000 in donations at the time of Thursday’s meeting.
DeMers announced this during his weekly executive report. In addition, he, as well as Vice President Michael Musgrove, spoke on a bill proposed in the SGA to allow the executive staff the right to accommodate the organization’s activities because of the ongoing health situation.
The organization, for example, modified its spring elections. The bill also ensures that the executive staff would need to keep the students informed of any changes they make through the bill. After moving it from new business to emergency business, the bill passed the Student Senate later that evening.
Musgrove, Treasurer Applegate and Legislative Affairs Director Wisley also gave reports that evening with Musgrove and Applegate discussing their preparation for the transition to a new administration following SGA elections. Wisley, however, discussed her preparations for elections as a whole.
Only two committees gave reports following the executive staff.
The Senate Affairs Committee finalized the Student Senate’s Constitution in order for it, as well as the bylaws and funding guide, to be ready for first reading that evening.
The Elections Committee also gave a report, informing the Student Senate that there is one President/Vice President ticket in this year’s elections. During the end-of-meeting announcements, Student Senator Haley Reiter, the presidential nominee, introduced herself and her running mate Student Senator Bryson Homman.
“We’re excited for the future,” she said.
During the report, however, the committee chair reminded the Senate that students may still run for positions through write-in campaigns.
Following the reports, the meeting moved into the Open Forum. It was here that DeMers reminded students to continue to check their emails for information from the University. Faculty advisor Dr. Teresa Clounch reiterated this point.
“That’s how we get communications and information to you,” Clounch said.
These emails include those of the People Care Teams, which were formed to keep in contact with each and every FHSU student during the pandemic.
Before the conclusion of Open Forum, Wisley informed the Senate that the University’s free legal counseling would continue during the Spring semester. However, it will now be scheduled on-demand and, according to her, “as the need arises.”
The Student Senate then read the new bills, including the COVID-19 bill, constitution and bylaws, before moving into announcements.
It was during this time that Wisley announced a Kansas Voter Registration Drive for the following Tuesday. Then, with a word from presidential candidate Reiter and a final reminder to fill out the 2020 census, the meeting adjourned.